Second only to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, Ohio’s Amish Country is one of the largest Amish communities in the world. Holmes County is home to over 33,000 Amish people, including men, women, and children. Amish culture is based on four core principles: faith, family, community, and simplicity. Kind of reminds us of the perfect vacation — […]
by dev
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Any KitKat and Aero aficionados in the house? You’re in for a wake-up call. Coblentz Chocolate will show you a whole new world of decadence and purity with their unrivaled hand-made candies and premium gourmet chocolates.
Imagine local butter, freshly churned just for this purpose — a magical fusion with high-grade, high-percentage cocoa and rich walnuts to craft the most indulgent milk chocolate walnut clusters.
Now’s a popular time for the thirty-year-old establishment, as locals and travelers flock for infamous holiday confections. Snowy peanut butter cups, anyone? Don’t mind if I do!
The expert chocolatiers retain tradition with their ever-indulgent chocolate caramels but aren’t afraid of the challenges new trends bring. They hit new concoctions out of the park every time — just try their sea salt caramels to see how they perfected the salt trend.
The shop’s white-gated porch welcomes every visitor with warmth and comfort. A cozy yet spacious interior hosts thousands of chocolates, waiting for you to try. Behind the counter, an Amish woman molds the handmade candies you see in the glass, adding a rustic feel to the entire experience.
And if you can’t make it in person? Just order online and receive the order right to your rental door!
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Located in Millersburg, Hershberger Farms and Bakery sits smack dab in the middle of the most Amish-populated city in Holmes County. The family-friendly establishment is reminiscent of a farmers market — if each vendor brought the animals with them, too! Oh yes, you’ll get to experience a free petting zoo alongside your organic produce haul.
As you savor the freshly baked pastries and homemade Amish goods, let your kids pet the cows and alpacas close by. If you like, they could even feed the goats via a conveyor belt.
As for your groceries?
Each fruit and vegetable radiates with saturated, naturally rich colors — you can almost taste their freshness. And if you let your olfactory senses embrace your surroundings, wafted aromas of apple fritters, maple syrup, and kettle corn playfully flourishes your senses.
Bringing some goods back home? Why not snag a homemade jar of blackberry jam or a handmade knit scarf — the farms feature skilled artisans who create the perfect gifts for any loved one.
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Traveling with the kids? Your 8-year-old might get bored of the farm attractions and nature hikes — so why not show them something that’ll blow their socks off? How about the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock?
A family favorite, Sugarcreek’s Cuckoo Clock is a towering 23 feet high and 24 feet wide. It tops the Guinness World Record and sits in Sugarcreek’s Swiss Village. You’ll notice a cuckoo bird popping out every half hour, accompanied by a band playing Swiss polka music. How sweet!
Don’t be afraid to let out a yodel and get into the Swiss ambiance. Reviewers all praise the attraction’s ample parking, preparation, and efforts that make it a fantastic experience.
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Speaking of Swiss polka music… Do you hear the sound of upbeat fiddles and piano accordion flooding the room? You must have made it to the Sugarcreek Ohio Swiss Festival — an annual tradition since 1953.
Did you know that Sugarcreek is also known as Ohio’s “Little Switzerland?”
After all, the Amish weren’t the only settlers in Holmes County. The region has German and Swiss roots, reminiscent of horse-drawn buggy rides and wagon rides, traditional polka tunes, and folky Swiss outfits. Still, you’ll find much more than just swiss cheese here.
The Swiss Festival isn’t complete without the alphorn players — musicians blowing into long, wooden horns, an ode to the 13th-century peoples of the Swiss Alps.
And if all that isn’t enough? Relish the three-day festival’s Swiss wrestling shows, Guggisberg cheese, vendor crafts, fair rides, yodeling contest, or craft beer tastings. You’re also not far from the David Warther Carvings & Gift Shop if you feel like grabbing a unique souvenir on your way home.
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If you felt intrigued by Hershberger Farms, you’ll like the Farm at Walnut Creek. Here, you won’t just find farm animals like pigs, goats, and sheep. Home to over 500 species of exotic animals, the Farm at Walnut Creek features giraffes, zebras, elk, parrots, bison, and more. The origin of each animal spans six of the seven continents, offering a wide variety of fun for the entire family.
The farm is known for having seasonal events, like autumn pumpkin slingshots, wagon rides, cow milking, and, of course, homemade ice cream.
Keep in mind that the farm is temporarily closed. Make sure you check their website for the most updated hours of operation.
AMISH CINNAMON BREAD (Photo Credit: Randall Vermillion)[/caption]
Imagine a breakfast and lunch buffet with Amish-style eats from the neighborhood? The Dutch Valley Restaurant wins hearts through the stomach, serving authentic American fare with local ingredients. The large, one-room establishment is family-friendly and known for its impeccable service.
Craving an organic, Amish farm roasted chicken? How about French toast made with thick, homemade bread? Don’t forget the Sampler Plate — a traditional Amish or Mennonite potluck with your pick of turkey, chicken, or ham, along with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade dinner rolls.
Meander down the way to reach the Dutch Valley gift shop, too!
Pssst. If you want to learn more about Mennonite culture, head on over to the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center after your meal!
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The Amish culture isn’t just about simple living and delicious, homemade food. The Amish can spark a tune, with some songs lasting 15 minutes long. These churchgoers embrace music and singing as a core part of their heritage, giving rise to the Ohio Star Theater!
The entertainment venue owned by Dutchman Hospitality features musicals, comedies, and popular tributes that the whole family can enjoy. During the wintertime, expect holiday specials like The Nutcracker and Trans-Siberian Orchestra cover. Just this week, on December 5th, the theater aired a movie showing of “I Heard The Bells.”
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Ever tried an organic bottle of wine? The taste difference might be subtle, but the health effects are significant. Organic grapes offer more antioxidants, along with resveratrol, a pro for your cardiovascular system.
But back to Breitenbach itself — the establishment is located in Dover, Ohio, and features some of the state’s most delectable Chardonnay.
The building is quite a visual treat, featuring purple walls, a jutted-out barrel, and rhombus-shaped roof hoods that echo a settler’s home or cafeteria. Customers appreciate the wide variety of wines, cheeses, deli meats, and curious souvenirs and gifts.
Too comfy to leave your Amish Country rental? Good thing you can place an order for delivery! Imagine cozying up by the fireplace and playing a game of Yahtzee with the family. The door knocks, and in a snap, you have fresh, local cheeses and organic wine at your doorstep!
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You and your family might feel overwhelmed with excitement planning your trip to Amish Country. But remember, you’re entering a community where people do things a little differently. It’s easy to make assumptions, but you should always maintain respect despite your differences.
Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind when you visit Amish Country for your next getaway:
